Apple beats out Samsung to become world’s top smartphone seller
Apple to Overtake Samsung in Global Smartphone Shipments by 2025
According to a new report, Apple is set to surpass Samsung in smartphone shipments in 2025, becoming the world’s top smartphone seller for the first time in over a decade.
An analysis by Counterpoint Research predicts a 3.3% year-over-year increase in global smartphone shipments in 2025, with Apple driving much of this growth.
iPhone shipments are expected to rise by 10% in 2025, fueled by the demand for the iPhone 17 series in key regions.
Counterpoint projects that Apple’s market share will reach 19.4% in 2025, making it the leading smartphone manufacturer globally for the first time since 2011.
On the other hand, Samsung’s shipments are expected to grow by 4.6% year over year, with a global market share of 18.7%, slipping from the top spot for the first time in over a decade.
Senior analyst Yang Wang stated, “The enhanced shipment outlook for Apple is driven by the replacement cycle reaching a turning point. Consumers who bought smartphones during the COVID-19 surge are now due for upgrades, and the sale of 358 million second-hand iPhones between 2023 and Q2 2025 is also expected to drive new iPhone purchases.”
The report suggests that this strong consumer demand will help Apple maintain its lead among smartphone manufacturers until 2029.
Counterpoint also predicts that Samsung’s focus on the A series will strengthen its position in emerging markets with competitive pricing, while its premium offerings will help maintain market share in mature markets.
Chinese smartphone makers are expected to expand into overseas markets and premium segments to boost profitability, with Counterpoint forecasting steady revenue growth and shipment rankings for these manufacturers through 2029.
